As of 2017, the FDA approved the sale of hearing aids over the counter (OTC). Before this, hearing aids could be a nuisance to obtain. In addition, they required medical examination, prescription, and thousands of dollars out of pocket as most healthcare companies did not cover the cost. Luckily, those are past problems.
Those with hearing loss can purchase OTC hearing aids at their local drugstore or online. No more having your elderly family member asking, “can you buy hearing aids over the counter?”. Yes, you can!
Key Takeaways:
OTC hearing aids are available
The top OTC hearing aid is the OTOFONIX Elite
OTC hearing aids are much less expensive than prescription hearing aids.
You can buy them without a prescription or an audiologist visit
The quality of OTC hearing aids is great for the value
Use an online hearing test to find the right one
Nearly 40 million people in the US alone may suffer hearing loss, according to researchers’ estimations from 2017. Quite a staggering number regarding hearing health. However, thanks to the FDA, hearing aid users can now receive over-the-counter hearing aids for a fraction of the price only a few years ago.
Many companies have been jumping at this great opportunity to enter the growing OTC hearing aid market. Many elderly seniors need hearing aids replaced regularly. Here, we examine over-the-counter hearing devices and various OTC hearing aid manufacturers.
The Best OTC Hearing Aids - Top List
OTC Hearing Aid Reviews
After much time, we’ve tracked down the best over-the-counter hearing aid and various other OTC hearing aid reviews. As we’ve seen in the research, various styles, models, brands, price ranges, accessories, and features were considered while covering the OTC hearing aid market.
You can find these hearing aids at places like Sam’s Club Hearing Aid centers, or Costco, Walmart and Amazon.
With an attractive price of under $60, this OTC hearing aid is tough to beat. The Britzgo Digital Hearing Aid Amplifier is fully adjustable, so you can use it on either ear. In addition, it has a sleek design that individuals can be proud to wear and an unparalleled battery life of 500 hours.
It even comes with two batteries. It also comes with 4 interchangeable modes allowing users to tailor this exceptional OTC hearing aid to many environments or levels of hearing loss.
For all those reasons, the Britzgo Digital Hearing aid has claimed the top spot of the best OTC hearing aid devices.
Key Features:
- 500+ hour battery life
- 4 different hearing modes: high, low, mid, and wide
- Adjustable hearing tube— can be used on either ear
- 3 in x 1 in x 5 in
The OTOFONIX Elite over-the-counter hearing aid uses a 12-band digital sound processor made by Intricon to enhance hearing. This hearing aid boasts a 35dB gain with 10 different levels for optimal volume control.
Furthermore, it has 4 different hearing modes for environmental personalization. It uses noise-canceling technology to produce a clear sound. It is also built extremely small, which offers discrete usage.
However, the excellent features and technology are displayed in the price. Customers can purchase two hearing aids for $399.99 or $199.99 for a single.
Still, the Otofonix Elite is an exceptional hearing aid and is tried and tested by many users with mild to moderate hearing loss. The company even offers a 1-year warranty and customer support by phone.
Key Features:
- Easily adjustable volume
- Noise-canceling technology
- 4 listening modes
- 0.5 in x 0.3 in x 1 in
- 1-year warranty
This hearing aid is built to be small yet powerful and one of the best over-the-counter hearing aids on our list. This personal sound amplifier packs a punch, with digital sound processing offering clear amplification. In addition, the Empower Hearing Amplifier can switch between 4 modes to suit the environment.
The product comes in 8 sizes, 10 batteries, a carrying case, a cleaning brush, and two tips—a regular tip and a power tip. The power tip is built for greater volumes, if necessary. In addition, the Empower Hearing Amplifier comes with exceptional noise reduction technology to ensure users get clear amplification.
This hearing aid also comes with a one-year warranty to make it a risk-free purchase. This hearing aid costs $269.99.
Key Features:
- Advanced digital sound reduction technology
- Power tip to increase the volume
- 12-band processing
- 4 listening modes
- 1-year warranty
- 1.06 in x 0.25 in
This easy-to-use hearing aid is unique as it comes with a rechargeable battery. The Banglijian Hearing Amplifier gets 20 to 24 hours of use on a full charge. In addition, the product comes with 10 different earpieces and two sound tubes allowing it to be used on either ear.
The hearing aid has very low audio distortion, with noise-canceling technology to give exceptional clarity. It also has two modes for quiet and loud environments. In addition, with 2 listening modes and 5 volume levels, the hearing aid customization gives the wearer versatility.
The Ziv-201A model costs $124.98 for a single hearing aid.
Key Features:
- 20-24-hour fully rechargeable lithium-ion battery
- Smart noise compression
- 2 listening modes
- 5 volume levels
- 3-year manufacturer warranty
- 1.4 in x 0.4 in x 0.3 in
Another Banglijian product, the Ziv-206 model, is an upgrade in capability and technology. Again, it offers a fully rechargeable battery that lasts up to 24 hours. However, this battery comes with quick-charge features.
It has smart sound reduction and 4-channel processing to produce even clearer quality than its predecessor. In addition, the Ziv-206 comes with 53dB sound gain and 3 listening modes for further adaptability. These are perfect for those with mild to moderate hearing loss.
One of the best over-the-counter hearing aids, this product comes with 5 different sound tubes and 15 earpieces. It costs $149.99, only $20 more than its counterpart.
Key Features:
- 20-24-hour, fully rechargeable, quick-charge lithium-ion battery
- Smart noise compression
- 3 listening modes
- 4-channel signal processing
- 53dB sound gain
- 1-year manufacturer warranty
- 1.4 in x 0.4 in x 0.3 in
6. Digital Hearing Amplifier Aid – Personal Sound Device with 2Pcs 500hr Batteries
IAid created this over-the-counter hearing aid. It offers a well-built hearing aid for a solid price, at $53.88 per hearing aid, the lowest price on our list. In addition, with a 500-hour battery life and two batteries included, it’s sure to last a long time.
It’s small, lightweight, and easy to use, making it the perfect aid for those who want a basic yet powerful hearing aid. It comes with multiple ear tips for comfort in the ear canal.
The Digital Hearing Amplifier Aid comes with 4 channels of noise reduction and 4 different listening modes. It’s built for quality and noise clarity while still giving users customization to select the proper mode based on their environment.
Key Features:
- 4 channels of noise reduction
- 3 sizes of earpieces
- 4 different hearing modes
- 500-hour battery life
- 2 batteries included
- 6.5g/0.1 lb
7. Coniler Smart Hearing Amplifier with Digital Noise Reduction
Coniler has created a well-built, discreet hearing aid built for users. It comes neatly packaged and offers a customizable set-up. The Coniler Smart Hearing Amplifier has digital sound reduction to enhance the clarity of noises and amplify sounds. It’s intended to reduce any high-pitch sounds and other background noises.
The hearing aid is designed for comfort and smoothly fits users wearing glasses. With a 46dB sound gain, the Coniler Smart Hearing Amplifier is sure to fit all needs. It costs $118.99 for one hearing aid or $218.99 for two.
Key Features:
- 48-battery life
- Smart noise reduction
- Rechargeable, lithium-ion battery with charging stand
- Maximum sound gains of 46dB
- 1-year warranty
8. Blomed Hearing Amplifier – Digital Personal Sound Enhancement Device for Adults and Seniors
Blomed’s Hearing Amplifier is the ideal over-the-counter hearing aid for those wanting a discreet, cost-efficient hearing aid. At only $54.80, this small-sized hearing aid is easy to use and comfortable to wear. In addition, it’s built with a TPE silica gel ear hook offering an aid that’s easily forgettable while wearing.
It comes with a new digital smart chip with a 38% improvement in reducing background noise compared to its previous model. This means the Blomed Hearing Amplifier offers a clear, natural sound sure to impress.
It comes with 4 different modes, controlled by one button, to adapt to the user’s environment. This product will meet all your needs with a 500-hour battery life and 2 batteries.
Key Features:
- 500-hour battery life
- 2 Zine Air batteries
- Comfortable and stylish look
- 4 different listening modes
- 1.37 in x 0.27 in
The LAIWEN Digital Hearing Amplifier Aid is a high-quality hearing aid built in a small piece. This hearing aid can come in red or blue color. Despite the small size, this hearing aid has impressive features.
With 8 powerful channels and 16 bands of digital processing, the Laiwen hearing aid boasts impeccable sound quality and clarity. In addition, the hearing aid comes with a battery lasting 5 to 7 days, and the package comes with two batteries.
Read our full LAIWEN hearing amplifier review.
It has 4 different modes, so you can use the hearing aid in any environment. It also comes with 3 different volume control features. The Laiwen Digital Hearing Amplifier costs $105.99 for one hearing aid.
Key Features:
- 8 channels
- 16-band digital processing
- 40dB peak sound gain
- 4 different listening modes
- 40.87 in x 0.51 in x 0.39 in
10. Lucid Hearing Aids
Lucid hearing aids from Sam’s Club. Lucid makes high-quality hearing aids available over-the-counter, and you can get a free hearing test with Sam’s Club hearing professionals.
Lucid hearing aids are FDA-registered hearing aids, just like most OTC hearing aid companies, meaning they are certified by the FDA to provide hearing aid users with adequate performance that meets health standards.
These are perfect for mild to moderate hearing loss, with more expensive models for profound hearing loss.
You can use the smartphone app to control the settings on Lucid hearing aid devices. Most hearing aids in this price range don’t feature app control, but more are starting to offer it as the technology becomes less expensive.
11. Jabra Enhance Hearing Aids
Jabra Enhance hearing aids are from Costco as an alternative to expensive hearing aids. Hearing aid wearers have praised this personal sound amplification device as being just as good as traditional hearing aids.
The Hearing Loss Association of America has rated the Jabra enhance hearing aids as one of their choices to buy OTC hearing aids. Wearing hearing aids shouldn’t be a burden; the best hearing aids should be comfortable and perform as you intend them to.
Jabra hearing aid models use intelligent hearing technology to give those with mild to moderate hearing loss normal hearing.
Another advantage of buying OTC hearing aids from Costco is they have a massive selection of brands to choose from and offer a free hearing test to Costco members.
Can I buy a hearing aid over the counter, and what do they cost?
Yes you can buy many hearing aid models, which are OTC. Buying hearing aids OTC is as simple as selecting one and buying one. They are low-priced hearing aids compared to prescription hearing aids.
Costs for hearing devices vary greatly, but you’ll likely have to buy anywhere from $200 to $1,000 for just one hearing aid. Prescription hearing aid prices range from $1500 to $6000. Although the prescriptions for hearing aids usually contain higher technology and fitting options, the functionalities are relatively similar to current OTC hearing aids.
OTC models can sell at an even cheaper rate because they cannot help offset overhead costs such as office expenses and salaries to audiologists.
How to Save Money on OTC Hearing Aids:
The National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders and the Hearing Loss Association of America are helpful resources for saving money on OTC hearing aids.
There are many additional ways to reduce the cost of an OTC hearing aid. Most insurance policies don’t offer protection for OTC hearing aids; you may need to call an insurer because some policies may have limited coverage without prescription hearing aids. Hearing aid purchases may be made through your savings or flexible spending accounts.
These accounts allow you to use untaxed cash on qualified purchases. When buying one hearing aid, certain models will give an additional discount if two are purchased instead of one. In addition, many OT-based hearing assistance providers offer deals and promos that result in substantial savings.
Can I get a hearing aid without an audiologist?
Yes, you can buy OTC hearing aids without a prescription or referral from an audiologist. Those with mild to moderate hearing loss can easily find an OTC hearing aid which works for them.
Those with communication disorders or severe hearing loss may need prescription hearing devices, as over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aids may not be appropriate. Those with severe hearing loss should consult a hearing health professional to ensure there are no underlying issues or if they absolutely require a prescription hearing aid.
Most personal sound amplification products are suitable for mild to moderate hearing loss, but medical-grade hearing aids are meant for people with profound hearing loss.
Either way, should you decide, you can get new hearing aids over the counter without a hearing professional, no matter what your hearing loss is.
Free online hearing tests and over-the-counter hearing aids
Before buying OTC hearing aids, you can take a free online hearing test to determine which hearing device best suits you.
When you buy an OTC hearing aid from Costco or Sam’s Club, you can access a hearing test in the hearing centers. Most hearing aid dispenser outlets don’t offer hearing tests unless you get prescription hearing aids.
Although there aren’t any hearing tests to purchase OTC hearing aids, buying them online is highly recommended. Online test results may be used as a diagnostic tool in assessing hearing loss, but these can’t be exhaustive and can only be used when hearing loss occurs. For example, a wax buildup can decrease hearing, and you may also experience a complicated problem requiring an otolaryngological consultation.
Severe hearing loss should be examined by a professional, and may need prescription hearing aids.
Are OTC Hearing Aids Available?
OTC hearing aids have been available since 2017. The Over-the-Counter Hearing Aid Act of 2017 was a law passed by the 115th United States Congress as a rider on the FDA Reauthorization Act of 2017. It created a class of hearing aids regulated by the Food and Drug Administration available directly to consumers without involvement from a licensed professional.
This makes personal sound amplification products available over the counter to any consumer 18 years or older. Anyone under 18 still can’t get these medical devices without buying prescription hearing aids. An incorrectly configured hearing device could do damage to developing hearing.
Before this, only prescription hearing aids were available for those with hearing loss and were incredibly expensive.
Are over-the-counter hearing aids worth it?
Yes, the cost of over-the-counter hearing aids is significantly less, and the quality is quite good. Hearing aid success stories from those with mild to moderate hearing loss are easy to find, but OTC hearing aids have the added element of cost savings. You can buy over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aids which match the best hearing aids in terms of function and comfort.
Hearing aids may have an enormous impact on hearing loss in people. Untreated hearing loss causes isolation and is often associated with serious illnesses like depression, anxiety and depression. Sadly conventional prescription hearing aids are costly, and most people cannot afford a doctor’s visit. In these instances, the Hearing Aids Regulatory Authority might take advantage. OTC hearing aids can help those with hearing loss older than 18 or older.
What is the difference between OTC and prescription hearing aids?
Prescription hearing aids are fitted and set perfectly for your ears, whereas OTC hearing aids are adjustable but not as custom to your hearing. The other difference is the materials are not the same quality but perform the same function.
OTC hearing aids are a relatively inexpensive alternative. OTC hearing aids have advantages and disadvantages. It’s cheaper. OTC hearing aids are usually cheaper than a prescription hearing aid. With a purchase of OTC hearing aids, you can avoid visiting a hearing health professional; buying hearing aids directly offers many advantages. Some OTC hearing aids are as effective as prescription models.
Prescription hearing aids work more advanced than OTC hearing aids; these high-tech hearing aids have better technology and options, fitted perfectly to your ear canal and calibrated to your level of hearing loss. But the price tag of these medical devices reflects that.
How do I choose an over-the-counter hearing aid?
Choosing the right hearing aid can be challenging, but the best over-the-counter hearing aids work great for hearing loss. Most importantly, choose the most comfortable one that fits your ear and works well.
They are meant to amplify sounds and reduce background noise for your level of hearing loss. They can have a smartphone app to control the features, and it should be an affordable hearing aid which is comfortable in the ear canal.
You should ensure the OTC hearing aids are FDA-registered or endorsed by the Hearing Loss Association of America.
Where Can I Buy Over-the-counter hearing aids?
You can buy OTC hearing aids at Amazon, Walmart, Walgreens, Costco or Sam’s Club. The OTC hearing aid market has exploded since 2017, making it easy for hearing aid users to buy OTC hearing aids over prescription hearing aids.
Most OTC hearing aids can be bought online; many websites will offer a hearing test too.
